Draw pits Iraq against Hong Kong in Thailand King’s Cup

BAGHDAD– Iraq’s national football team will face Hong Kong in the semifinal of the 51st edition of the Thailand King’s Cup on Sept. 4, following Wednesday’s tournament draw.

In the other semifinal, host nation Thailand will meet Fiji. The winners of both matches will advance to the final scheduled for Sept. 7.

The Thailand King’s Cup is an annual international football tournament organized by the Football Association of Thailand.

It has been held since 1968, usually featuring four national teams, including the host Thailand and three invited teams. Matches are typically played in a knockout format: two semifinals, a third-place playoff, and a final.

In the 2024 King’s Cup, Thailand won the tournament. They defeated Syria 2–1 in the final, securing Thailand’s 16th King’s Cup title and their first since 2017.

In the 2023 edition, Iraq emerged as champions after defeating Thailand in the final via a 5–4 penalty shootout.